Archive for January, 2010

How to Improve Vocabulary When Learning a Foreign Language

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Vocabulary improvement is undoubtedly one of the key elements in any language learning process, regardless if you’re learning french, English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese or any other language, no matter how “complicated” it is and what its rules are. Actually, obtaining an initial vocabulary base is one of the key elements you need to focus on when learning a foreign language and afterwards, increasing your vocabulary is a constant process you need to go through. There are several means to do so, some of which we will be going through below.

Translated texts

Using translated texts is a great way to improve your vocabulary, especially in the beginning stage of the language learning process, when you can’t deduct words out of the context from a foreign text, simply because you don’t understand it at all. Having a translation of the text however, allows you to form links between the words and their meanings. Obviously, it’s important that these texts are kept simple and clean and that they don’t use words that can have several meanings that would only confuse you.

Mnemonics

Although not necessarily a “new” method, mnemonics have been proven to be very effective in allowing students to memorize new words. The “trick” behind mnemonics is to link words in your native language to words in the new language and form visual images from the two. Oftentimes, these images will be far from common, sometimes they will be bizarre or interesting, which will only make them easier to be remembered. To give you some insight on how to use mnemonics, we’ll take a look at the famous “yellow ice” example used in several free online courses as well as in many course books: the Spanish word for ice is “hielo” which resembles the English word yellow. This automatically forms a visual image of “yellow ice” which will help you remember the connection between the two.

The Dictionary method

The Dictionary method is a continuous effort and unlike some of the other vocabulary improvement methods, it won’t be that fast, but it will definitely be long-term effective. What this method is all about is trying to learn a new word in the language you’re studying on a daily basis. Open up the dictionary at a random page each day, spot a word you don’t know and memorize it and what it means. This doesn’t sound much indeed, but in fact you will be learning several words at once with the help of the dictionary’s explanations. If you manage to form a study rhythm with this method you’ll be on a constant vocabulary improvement streak.

In conclusion, one thing you need to always keep in mind is that a language’s vocabulary is the foundation you will be working on and if this foundation isn’t strong enough, the other parts of the structure won’t be extremely stable as well. Besides the above-mentioned methods, you will be able to find several more on websites dealing with language learning techniques, some of which will prove to be well suited for you, whereas others will prove to be a waste of time. It will be your call to judge which ones you will take upon.

Michael Gabrikow
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/how-to-improve-vocabulary-when-learning-a-foreign-language-101936.html

Posted in foreign language learning | 6 Comments »

Making It Easier To Learn German

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

In learning a foreign language like the German language, there certainly wouldn’t be any point if you think negatively towards it. The German language, compared to other foreign languages, is easier to comprehend even when one didn’t know what a single word means. This is because the English and German languages have similarities. A beginner can from start from this point to make the learning experience easier to understand and eventually memorize.

There can be many reasons why learning another language suddenly interests you. This is a good sign already because an interested student can learn anything and fast. Also, it’s an advantage to learn another language these days because there are many ways how to learn another language and this reason alone is already an advantage. Think how difficult it has been to those individuals who passionately wanted to learn another foreign language but were just limited in resources.

Now is your time and you can do it just from the comfort of your own home. But you don’t have to rely on the internet and don’t just because you have a dial-up connection at home doesn’t mean you can’t learn German. There are other sources for learning this language.

Language books, audio and video cassettes, DVDs and even the television with cable connection will do just fine to help you in meeting your goals. Turn to German speaking channels, even the news channel done in German will help. But since what you want to learn are going to be purely basics such as greetings, asking questions and directions both formal and informal, it isn’t advisable to take words from German newspapers just yet. The reason is newspapers use technical terms which aren’t commonly used among German speakers and which what you wont most likely hear from ordinary German speakers.

Also, in learning, there shouldn’t be any room for forced information. This is plainly because learning won’t be effective when information is forcedly squeezed in to the mind. Effective learning will not take place when this is the case and it would be better to take a rest and get back to the lesson to learn better. Or, spare 20 to an hour a day to learn the German language to prepare your mind for the activity.

Shareen Aguilar
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/making-it-easier-to-learn-german-113512.html

Posted in learning german | 10 Comments »

Tesol – Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

We have got the chance to live in a world where communication has become more effective and efficient as most of the countries have adopted English as its main language to tutor in the schools, but there are still some ignorant countries which try to hinder the communication pattern. We help the people to upgrade their English and impart their skills to some other non English speakers and help you and them to prosper. Tesol is the certification course for people who want to teach English to the people who speak other languages. An Australian company E.E.G (English explorer global) provides tesol course on the internet to all the people in thee world who want its certification. Our online certification of tesol is internationally recognized and it is the best way to work and earn worldwide. It opens new prosperous opportunities for various individuals. We provide various courses of 40 hours each after which you can get certification to teach. You can choose from a list of courses to get certified for some minimal amount. The courses that you can choose from are introductory, intermediate and various tesol certificates. There are other high end courses also like tesol advanced certificate and tesol diploma which teaches you a little technical aspect of English. Once you are certified you can surely earn enough for your various foreign trips you would like to make. You also don’t need to speak any other language other than English to teach your students as your students will have some basic knowledge of English and you will only be required to enhance it. With our help you also get to experience other cultures by working in their countries and you also get a chance to learn another language which is another wonderful experience in your life. Your teaching skills also get improved when you teach regularly and you will be able to build a good student and teacher relationship and in no time you would master the art of teaching. Another good thing about our certification is that you can learn online and at your own preferred time and you also get a job guaranty once you get the certification. The skills and experience of the English Explorer Global Team are widespread and we’re very willing to help you to make the most of your teaching experience great and full of a lot of new things that you could learn and experience. Experienced E.E.G personnel are always ready to help you with any queries you may possibly have about the tesol course or TESOL in general. JYOTI http://www.articlesbase.com/languages-articles/tesol-teachers-of-english-to-speakers-of-other-languages-720243.html

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Some Advice When Learning to Speak Japanese

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

You may need to learn the Japanese language because you are traveling to Japan and want to become familiar with popular Japanese words and phrases. Or you might have taken a class to learn Japanese years before and are now looking for a refresher course. Perhaps you have a great interest in learning to speak Japanese simply because you love the Japanese language.

Whatever the reasons you desire to learn to speak Japanese, you will want to be sure to keep the following advice in mind.

There are many aspects of the Japanese language that you might be considering learning. If you are interested in learning essential Japanese words and phrases to get through a few conversations with those who speak Japanese fluently, then beginning with the basics is the best place to start.

Learn popular words and phrases such as “hello”, “how are you?” and “thank you” first. Then practice using them in your daily conversations with those who speak Japanese. If you do not know anyone who speaks Japanese, keep practicing and speaking your words and phrases daily anyway – practice makes perfect.

If you want to learn Japanese so that you can better understand Japanese etiquette and culture, it is probably best to immerse yourself in conversational Japanese language studies. learning japanese this way can be beneficial because you will understand the body language, intonation and communication styles of those who speak Japanese fluently.

Listen to conversational audio, observe fluent speakers interacting with each other, and even try to watch and comprehend Japanese news or other real-life Japanese shows on TV. When listening to others speak Japanese, you still want to try to pick up on basic Japanese words and phrases. However, in learning conversational Japanese, it would be to your advantage to focus on situational phrases and even Japanese slang or expressions as well.

Understanding and using these types of colloquialisms is what helps you to become fluent in the Japanese language. Instead of focusing on basic phrases like “hello” and “good morning”, you will want to focus on how to begin interactions by asking questions like “what is your name?” or “what do you do for a living?”. Japanese etiquette plays a role in conversation, so take notice of the phrases and intonations that younger people use when speaking to their elders or that employees use to speak to their superiors.

It can be very difficult learning a new language. You want to try your best to stay motivated. When learning the Japanese language, you are not only learning to speak new words, you are also learning to read and interpret a different type of writing. Languages such as French and Spanish contain the same letters as the English language, but used in slightly different ways. The Japanese language will be a totally new way of reading and writing for you.

Do not be afraid of making mistakes with reading, writing or speaking Japanese, instead try to learn from your mistakes. Record yourself while you practice speaking Japanese so that you are aware of your mistakes in pronunciation and intonation. Being able to identify your weaknesses as you learn Japanese is the best way to improve.

Blank
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/some-advice-when-learning-to-speak-japanese-59670.html

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Posted in learning japanese | 9 Comments »

Learning A Foreign Language Will Open A Window To The World

Monday, January 4th, 2010

If you’ve ever had the urge to travel around the world, visiting exotic places, and ordering authentic local cuisine, then you’ve probably considered the fact that it might help if you were able to speak the language. Even if only to read the menu at your favorite French Bistro or Italian Restaurant, it is amazing how much more of the menu you will understand simply by learning a few key phrases in a foreign language.

Learning a new language is almost always a thrilling prospect, even better when you can learn a new language for free. In fact, at this price why on earth would anyone stop at just one language? Many of these online language programs are not intended to work as a sole source of language education, but when used in conjunction with other language learning programs can produce amazing results.

If you use the flash cards and matching games that are available on this site, you will be speaking your new language like a native in no time, better yet, you will understand it like a native as well. Have you ever envied those that speak several languages with as much familiarity as their own mother tongues? Be jealous no longer. Apply these lessons, study diligently and you will notice a significant improvement in your vocabulary.

Learn an Arabic language conversation free with lessons online. In fact, learn a few. Take a look at the free online “Learn Spanish Video” and see how many new words you can learn in a short period of time. Take lessons with a friend and have competitions to see who has learned the most new words. Playing games is a great way to learn and still have fun being competitive with one another.

Remember though that the overall goal is learning a new language. Whether your goals are Russian, Hungarian, English, French, or some obscure tribal language on the moon, you might be surprised at the selection available. You can even use this program to help you avoid the syntax errors in English second language learners. This will make an incredible difference in how you are accepted globally as well as corporately.

There are several sites out there that deal with teaching a foreign language and you’re bound to find something suitable for your needs even after a few minutes of electronic surfing. Although most will focus on popular languages such as English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian or Portuguese, other “smaller” languages are not left out in the cold either. Regardless of what language you’re aiming for, chances are that you can find a site that covers it and offers some learning courses for it.

Michael Gabrikow
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/learning-a-foreign-language-will-open-a-window-to-the-world-65445.html

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Posted in foreign language learning | No Comments »

Italian Cultural Courses in Rome

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

Rome is certainly one of the favourite destinations chosen by foreign students from all over the world who decide to allow themselves a learning vacation in Italy. Coming in contact with all the aspects of Italian culture is the best way to learn the language, and what’s better than the scenery of Rome to dive into history and art of our country? Just for these reasons, the Italian language school for foreigners Leonardo da Vinci of Rome, suggests you the “Cultural Courses”, in which language learning, culture and fun walk arm in arm. In our school of Rome you can choose to attend the “History of Italian Art Courses”, whose duration is 2 weeks, during which students will learn everything about the history of Rome and its social and artistic influence all over the world. Otherwise, there’s the peculiar “Culinary Arts Course” for learning to cook at home the delights and goodies of our culinary traditions. “Italian Wine Courses”, a wine itinerary which lasts 2 or 4 weeks discovering the secrets and techniques to create the best Italian wines. “Italian Language through Italian Art and Culture Courses”, are instead very unique and special courses which allow to learn in 2 weeks only the Italian language and to deepen your own knowledge about theatre, cinema and literature, combining art classes in the best schools of Rome and language classes at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, the brand new “Professional Italian Cooking Courses”, during which students will be supported by a teaching staff of Italian cuisine professionals of international fame, who will make you skilled chefs.  All these courses are studied to offer students the chance to learn the Italian language in a quick and exciting way coming in contact with the most interesting aspects of our culture and traditions. Students in this way will be encouraged to confront each other and to have a dialogue in Italian language, learning in this way to speak our language in a quick and spontaneous way. For more detailed information, please visit us: Italian Cultural Courses in Rome. Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci http://www.articlesbase.com/languages-articles/italian-cultural-courses-in-rome-731644.html

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